Media Release - Public Health warns students with incomplete immunization records they will be suspended

March 8, 2017: Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health is warning parents and students there isn’t much time left to update their immunization records. Failure to do so by the deadline will result in suspension for up to 20 school days.

It is a requirement of the Immunization of School Pupils Act that students who attend school in Ontario must have up-to-date vaccinations or a legal exemption on file with Public Health. In January, Public Health sent notices to approximately 11,000 students with incomplete immunization records. There are still 5,000 high school and elementary students facing suspension unless they update their records. Public Health officials are working with school boards and principals to reduce the number of students facing suspension in the next few weeks. Each school will suspend students who do not have their immunization records up to date.

Parents and students are encouraged to make an appointment with their physician immediately to arrange for any missing vaccines and have their vaccinations reported to Public Health. Public Health has been offering immunization clinics at high schools and Public Health locations.

“Parents can anticipate that high school students will be suspended on March 22 and elementary students the first week of April if their immunization records have not been updated with Public Health,” said Rita Sethi, Director of Community Health and Wellness. “We are working closely with schools to make sure students are protected from vaccine-preventable diseases so they can attend classes.”